My friend, who has an 8-week old baby, requested one month's notice and an afternoon appointment for her PIP assessment - instead she's got one week's notice (their post came late) and a 9am home visit assessment and she's in a spin. Is it possible for her to put it off, and what counts as 'good reason' for doing this? Is a newborn baby enough? She is worried that she'll get 'marked down' for calling to rearrange, though I don't think phone contact with Capita/ATOS counts as part of the assessment. Please can anyone advise?
I'm afraid the Assessment Provider is only required to give seven days written notice in writing.
Your friend can move the appointment, but it will count as their one opportunity to rearrange and they will need to attend the new appointment whenever and wherever it is. If they make the new appointment while on the phone then they should be able to arrange one that is convenient. Doing so will not impact on their claim.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems